KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Josh Staumont is a 24-year-old right-hander with a fastball that can touch 100 mph and a promising breaking ball. He has also issued 253 walks in 322 career innings in the minor leagues, which is why he is pitching at Triple-A Omaha and not here in Kansas City.

Staumont’s command issues have set off alarms for years, even as he advanced through the system, displayed his electric stuff and turned himself into one of the best prospects in the organization. But in recent weeks, club officials say, the second-round pick in the 2015 MLB draft has offered signs of a potential breakthrough.

After opening the season in the Omaha bullpen, Staumont posted a 1.74 ERA and struck out 35 in 20 2/3 innings while pitching in relief. His command still disappeared at times, and his walk numbers were still high. But as his outings improved, the Royals opted to shift him back to the Storm Chasers’ starting rotation in late May.